REVIEW:
BY DEBBY NICKLAS
Special to the Tribune
The enduring struggle of the human spirit propels Wine Country Theatre's dramatic
production of "Of Mice and Men," playing at the Park Ballroom in Paso Robles.
Adapted from John Steinbeck's classic novel of the same name, "Of Mice and Men"
premiered on Broadway in 1937 and won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Best Play in
1938.
George (Tyler Lopez) and Lennie (Matthew Hanson) are migrant farm workers in California
during the Great Depression. Moving from job to job, they have built a strong bond of
friendship.
The quick-witted George protects Lennie, who is simple-minded but physically strong.
Lennie has difficulty controlling his strength and easily becomes violent if provoked.
After being run out of town after Lennie's unintentional assault on a young woman, they are
hired at a ranch operated by The Boss (Frank Moe) and his combative son, Curley (Sean
McCallon).
George and Lennie befriend an aging ranch handyman, Candy (Tom Ammon), who shares
their dreams of owning land some day. Slim (Garrett Smith), respected by his peers, is
another ranchhand who understands the relationship between George and Lennie.
Other ranch workers include CarLson ohnathan Felch), Whit (Charles Hank) and the bitter
but smart stablehand Crooks (Kevin Watson), who is segregated from the others because he
is black.
The only woman on the ranch is Curley's wife (Kristie Lopez), who flirts with all the ranch
workers but secretly dreams of running away to become an actress. Curley is constantly
jealous and suspicious of his wife.
A tragic confrontation between Lennie and Curley's wife forces George to make the ultimate
choice to control the fate of his beloved friend.
Director Robin Kirk Wolf approaches "Of Mice and Men" with humility, pride and
excitement. "For Steinbeck's characters, a powerful friendship and a shared dream of the
future make their difficult journey worth the taking," Wolf writes in the director's notes in
the program.
Strong performances by the main actors are a highlight of the show.
Director Robin Kirk Wolf approaches "Of Mice and Men" with humility, pride and
excitement. "For Steinbeck's characters, a powerful friendship and a shared dream of the
future make their difficult journey worth the taking," Wolf writes in the director's notes in
the program.
Tyler Lopez's commanding voice and confident mannerisms help drive the character of
George, while Hanson excels at portraying Lennie's conflicted personality. Ammon and
Kristie Lopez are especially believable as two engaging characters desperately trying to hold
on to their dreams.
The modest set designed by Shelley Sorvig Malcolm provides flexibility to quickly switch
from a sandy bank of the Salinas River to the interior of the ranch bunkhouse. A vibrant
backdrop rich with gold and purple hues emphasizes the play's location in California's
Central Valley.
The lighting designer is MJ Johnson.
Ambitious production elements, particularly a poignant fight scene, are handled effectively
by stage manager Krystal Kirk.
This gripping rendition of "Of Mice and Men" captures and celebrates the timeless tale of
hope, loyalty and the American Dream.
'OF MICE AND MEN'
7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; through March 20
Park Ballroom, 1232 Park St., Paso Robles
$25, $5 students
1-800-838-3006 or http://www.winecountrytheatre.com